AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS AND WIRING
AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS AND WIRING
AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS AND WIRING
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To perform a battery drain test, set up an ammeter, as shown in figure 2-10. Pull the<br />
fuse if the vehicle has a dash clock. Close all doors and trunk (if applicable). Then read<br />
the ammeter. If everything is off, there should be a zero reading. Any reading indicates<br />
a problem. To help pinpoint the problem, pull fuses one at a time until there is a zero<br />
reading on the ammeter. This action isolates the circuit that has the problem.<br />
BATTERY CAPACITY TEST.- A battery load test, also termed a battery capacity<br />
test, is the best method to check battery condition. The battery load test measures the<br />
current output and performance of the battery under full current load. It is one of the<br />
most common and informative battery tests used today.<br />
Before load testing a battery, you must calculate how much current draw should be<br />
applied to the battery. If the ampere-hour rating of the battery is given, load the battery<br />
to three times its amp-hour rating. For example, if the battery is rated at 60 amp-hours,<br />
test the battery at 180 amps (60 x 3 = 180). The majority of the batteries are now rated<br />
in SAE cold-cranking amps, instead of amp-hours. To determine the load test for these<br />
batteries, divide the cold-crank rating by two. For example, a battery with 400 coldcranking<br />
amps rating should be loaded to 200 amps (400 ÷ 2 = 200). Connect the<br />
battery load tester, as shown in figure 2-11. Turn the control knob until the ammeter<br />
reads the correct load for your battery.<br />
Figure 2-10.- Battery drain test setup.<br />
After checking the battery charge and finding the amp load value, you are ready to test<br />
battery output. Make sure that the tester is connected properly. Turn the load control<br />
knob until the ammeter reads the correct load for your battery. Hold the load for 15<br />
seconds. Next, read the voltmeter while the load is applied.<br />
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